Aquarium Tips for Tropical Fish

Why you need an aquarium filtration system

One of the most important pieces of equipment in your tank whether it be a freshwater or marine aquarium is the filtration system. As everyone knows when a fish dies at sea there is no great change to the environment, it is a natural process. However when a fish dies in an enclosed system like an aquarium it can wreak havoc to the surrounding environment. The chemical by-products produced by the decomposing of organic matter such as a dead fish are toxic and hazardous to the survival of your other aquarium inhabitants.

Why aquarium filters are important.

The parameters that are important to a healthy aquarium include the correct ph levels. Things that can alter the PH levels include uneaten food which rots and creates toxins; fish waste is also toxic, air pollution and dead fish in the water. These can all create deadly chemicals which will kill your fish over time.

Whereas normal environments will constantly alter to keep the equilibrium and will adapt accordingly, enclosed systems do not. In an aquarium water conditions will change due to the effects of fish waste and uneaten food and home aquariums need constant monitoring and correction of the water to keep it in equilibrium. The one tool which is most important to aquarium water balance is aquarium filters.

How does aquarium filtration work?

Filters are used to correct and remove certain conditions within the water environment this includes:-Physical debris in the water like excess food and fish waste which will cloud and dirty the water.Organic matter such as dead leaves from plants which can cause toxins in the water.Introduced chemicals from other environments which include chemicals from tap water, air pollution and any additives you may put into the water such as medicines for your fish and plant feeds. Biological filter media works in most filters and is designed for maximum surface area.

The Nitrogen Cycle

The most important biological filtration system involves the nitrogen cycle. Before purchasing fish, the aquarium must be cycled. This could take anywhere from twenty four hours to four weeks. In an established aquarium certain bacteria that is already in the air has settled in to your tank and when conditions are right will help the breakdown of ammonia into nitrates. A build up of nitrates is also harmful when it reaches a high level. But the nitrates can be removed with water changes, special systems and plants which consume it. Freshwater fish are more resistant to nitrates than marine fish. Water changes are generally sufficient in a freshwater aquarium but marine or saltwater aquariums may require other methods like live rock or algae filters.

The basic principle of the nitrogen cycle is this. Fish eat food and generate waste. That waste along with excess food and plant debris become ammonia in the aquarium. Ammonia is toxic to fish and needs to be broken down. That's why the nitrifying bacteria are important. This bacteria, turns the ammonia into nitrites which are more tolerable to fish than ammonia. In a new tank this nitrogen system is not present and the fish are prone to die due to an overload of ammonia in the water. The bacteria needed for nitrification require oxygen to survive and too much waste and debris in the water will not allow the bacteria to multiply quickly enough to work, therefore it is important to have good aeration and enough surface area for the nitrogen cycle to become effective. When the nitrogen cycle eventually starts the nitrates are collected and minimized by filters; however they will eventually accumulate in the tank. Regular water changes are required to remove the nitrates from the water.

Filtration by mechanical means.

Mechanical filtration removes fish excreta and food waste and it helps keep the water clean. It is the second most important type of filtration in your aquarium. It is important because it removes the waste which would otherwise clog up the biological filter media. This in turn would interfere with the bacterial process and nitrogen cycle. Most filtration systems are good at mechanical filtration as the method is quite a simple process.

Chemical filtration

The third form of filtration is chemical filtration which helps to remove chemicals from the water. Chemicals like phosphates and silicates are present in the water from tap water, fish food and other additives and usually if your water smells or is discoloured then it from these chemicals. They are the most common cause of algae blooms and chemical filtration is the best way to deal with and remove them.

There are many types of filter systems on the market and the best way to choose one is by talking to your local aquarium pet store specialist. There advice can be invaluable when wading through the many filtration systems available. Your choice should be made based on an understanding of the basic principals of filtration and a little knowledge of the types of filtration systems on the market.